The Institute of Trade Mark Attorneys

ITMA was established in 1934 as the professional body representing those qualified to act for the owners of trade mark and allied intellectual property rights, including designs, both nationally and internationally. The Institute fulfills many roles:

1.    Source of professional advice

A list of all fully qualified trade mark attorneys throughout the UK is available on the Institute website.  Members of the public can be assured that those listed are professionally qualified and able to provide expert advice on matters ranging from the selection of a trade mark through to enforcing the same against infringers before the courts.

2.    Support for professional qualifications

Those who wish to become trademark attorneys are provided with education in the form of tutorials, seminars and general training to help them pass qualifying examinations and enter onto the official Register.

3.    Continual Professional Development (CPD)

CPD is an essential and compulsory part of membership to ITMA. Through seminars and conferences it updates members on changes in law and practice in trademarks and related fields, in order to continually offer clients the very best service.

4.    International Connections

ITMA has close links to key international organisations overseas, such as OHIM (the Community Trade Mark Office) and WIPO (the World Intellectual Property Office). Moreover, ITMA members practice internationally and most benefit from a wide network of overseas associates allowing them to service the needs of their clients in multiple countries.

5.   A respected Code of Practice

The ITMA Code of Practice is binding on all its members, promotes ethical practices in the conduct of the trademark professional and ensures the interests of clients are protected.

6.   Raising industry awareness

Public and business communities are becoming more aware of the importance of their intellectual property assets. ITMA works to encourage them to use its fully qualified members and to generally promote the importance and value of trade marks to their businesses.

7.   The ITMA website and contact details

For more information about the world of trade marks and the work of the Institute contact ITMA through its website www.itma.org.uk email: tm@itma.org.uk, telephone 020 8686 2052 or write to:

 ITMA, Canterbury House, 2-6 Sydenham Road, Croydon, Surrey, CR0 9XE